WARNING: Dangers of Residential Elevators!
As the school year ends and families begin taking summer vacations, many will rent vacation homes, some equipped with residential elevators. While home elevators seem convenient and are often seen as a novelty, especially for children, most families do not realize the extreme dangers that are associated with these elevators.
In a recent news report, Jonathan Brooks, former Bureau Chief for the North Carolina Dept. of Labor Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau, explained that in North Carolina as well as other states, residential elevators simply are not regulated or inspected. Through his work with the NC Bureau and presently as a private inspector, Brooks is all too familiar with the dangers and horrific tragedies associated with these elevators, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or death. As Brooks notes, given the lack of oversight and regulation, often residential elevators are modified, bypassing various safety features of the elevator. With the safety features disabled, these elevators are death traps and small children who like to play on them are often the victims.
In addition to disabled safety features, Brooks notes that many residential elevators are also dangerous in their design. Specifically, he noted elevators with gears, which if the gear fails, the elevator will free fall with nothing to stop it before it hits the ground. The dangers posed by these geared elevators is so significant, that many, including Brooks, will not even attempt to service those elevators.
The fact that many residential elevators are not properly designed or inspected and are often not up to code, the best advice is to avoid using them altogether. If you or your family is renting a home with an elevator, you should instruct all children to stay away from the elevators, keeping a watchful eye while in the home.
Having represented multiple families and individuals around the country who have lost loved ones or suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of elevator accidents, Cash Krugler Fredericks is all too familiar with these types of elevator accidents. Sadly, these tragedies are almost always preventable and are regularly the result of the manufacturer’s negligence, the property owner’s failure to properly maintain the elevator, or failures of those tasked with inspecting and servicing the equipment. Through our handling of these cases and our efforts in fighting for improved safety standards, Cash Krugler Fredericks knows all too well the design defects and service issues that commonly plague elevators, as well as the affordable steps that could often prevent these types of tragedies.
Nationwide Elevator Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one were seriously hurt in a residential elevator accident, contact the lawyers at Cash Krugler Fredericks for a consultation about your case. Let our experienced elevator accident attorneys handle your case while you and your family focus on healing and recovery.
